The Office of Inspector General, which was called in by Commissioner Tyree Blocker after allegations of broader dysfunction at the school, will make its findings public in a matter of weeks, a spokeswoman said Monday.

In December, state police began investigating their own after a "cheat sheet" was discovered at the facility. At least 36 cadets were dismissed or left voluntarily in the midst of that probe. Forty-eight members from the original class of 116 graduated last spring.

A number of cadets and several others connected to the academy described a culture in which instructors provided answers directly from tests that hadn't been updated in years. Cadets were also encouraged to hand study guides down from one graduating class to the next.

Some of the instructors, the cadets said, demonstrated a cavalier attitude about excessive force and the differential treatment of minorities.

The OIG set up a confidential tip line and interviewed many of those involved in the scandal last spring and summer. Few updates have emerged from the office, which conducts its inquiries in secret and reports directly to the governor's office.

Many of the cadets, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, suspected that their case would be forgotten. The news that it would be made public was met with a mix of relief and skepticism.

"It's a state agency investigating the state," one cadet said Monday. "I'm leery that they gave it any serious thought and, if they did find any wrongdoing, they'd be reluctant to say so."

"I got to stay positive so I have to say yes, I'm optimistic," another said. "I just hope the truth comes out."

A third said he believes the state has a vested interest in protecting the academy's reputation, regardless of what happened there.

"They'll just say 'mistakes were made'," he said. "Bygones are bygones. Wash your hands of it."

Despite their misgivings, the cadets said the OIG investigators seemed impartial and professional. Unlike the state police's internal probe, they said, there did not seem to be a pre-determined conclusion.

Since leaving the academy, several cadets have gone on to jobs in law enforcement or the military. Others took up work in maintenance or sales and still others are now unemployed.

The cadets PennLive reached Monday said they've had a difficult time explaining their time at the academy, the looming scandal and the blank space on their resumes. Some prospective employers were understanding but many more were not.

"I'm just happy at this point that it's over so I have a result to give to some of these places," one of the cadets said. "Good, bad or indifferent, at least it's over and I can move on."

That cadet said one private security firm was awaiting the results of the inspector general's investigation before making a hiring decision.

Beyond the scandal's impact on their professional careers, it has also taken a toll on their personal lives.

"Everyone knew I was there," said one cadet. "It's almost like you want to wear a bag of shame. You don't want to look anyone in the eye."

Now, the cadets await the inspector general's report. Depending on its conclusions, they'll have to answer a difficult question: What will they do next?

For some, it's obvious.

If they're vindicated, they will return to the academy.

"Being a state trooper is something I've wanted for so long," one cadet said. "I'm not going to let this sidetrack me--no, I'm not going to let this nonsense stop me."

Another cadet, who started a new job shortly after leaving the academy, said the experience soured him on the state police: "Why would I want to work for someone who threw me under the bus?"